The game opened with a highly competitive first quarter with the Regents and Crusaders each scoring a pair of touchdowns.

The Regents struck first on a four-play, 37-yard drive, capped with a 25-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Aabed Nekrawesh to fellow senior Delroy Russell Jr.

Rockford made it 14-0 on its next possession when Andrew Stochl (Marian Central Catholic) found Preseason All-American tight end Dane Kirk (Rochelle) for a 62-yard touchdown reception. The Crusaders got themselves back into the game scoring on their final two possessions of the first quarter to cut Rockford’s lead to a single point at 14-13.

The final three quarters belonged to the Regents as they shut out the Crusaders and found the end on three occasions. The first touchdown again came through the air as Nekrawesh found senior Anastacio Zamba on a 29-yard touchdown pass, extending Rockford’s lead to 21-13. Following a scoreless third quarter, Rockford turned to their ground game and junior Seth Swinehart (Rockford East) close out the game. Swinehart scored Rockford’s final two touchdowns on runs of seven and 10 yards to seal the 34-13 win.